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ThePigSite Quick Disease Guide

Disease:
 

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Contents of Quick Disease Guide

Swine Pox

This is a disease caused by the swine pox virus which can survive outside the pig for long periods of time and is resistant to environmental changes. It is a vesicular disease.

Symptoms

All Pigs
  • Small circular red areas 10-20mm in diameter that commence with a vesicle containing straw-coloured fluid in the centre.
  • After two to three days the vesicle ruptures and a scab is formed which gradually turns black.
  • The lesions may be seen on any part of the body but are common along the flanks, abdomens and occasionally the ears.
  • A secondary dermatitis may occur.
  • Unusual in piglets.

Causes / Contributing factors

  • It can be spread by lice or mange mites.
  • Skin abrasions.
  • Fighting and mixing of pigs.

Diagnosis

It can be confused with localised greasy pig disease, pustular dermatitis and the allergic form of mange. Close examination shows swine pox lesions.

Further Reading

Click on the links below to find out more about this disease, including treatment, management control and prevention information. The top link is the main article on this disease.
Pig Meat Processing Section

Tuesday 7th February

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